A government official told The Associated Press yesterday that Vick would be allowed to finish his prison sentence at home because there is no room at a halfway house for him.

He is currently serving a 23-month term at the federal lock-up in Leavenworth, Kan., after pleading guilty in 2007 to bankrolling a dog-fighting operation in Virginia known as Bad Newz Kennels.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was sentenced in December 2007 and was due to be released July 20, 2009.

Vick’s lawyers had said they expected him to be moved into a halfway house in Newport News, Va., but because of a lack of space, he will be released by May 21 to serve out his term at his Hampton, Va., home.

Vick, 28, will have to wear an electronic monitoring device at all times, and will be allowed to leave his house only for activities approved by his probation officer, officials said.

The former Virginia Tech standout is eligible for a full release in July.

Vick’s Hampton home is one of four he still owns, according to court papers.

Vick sold the Surry County property that served as headquarters for his Bad Newz Kennels after he was indicted in July 2007.

Billy Martin and Lawrence Woodward Jr., who both represent Vick, declined to comment on his release last night.

“As his attorneys, we understand and respect that there is a process that the Bureau of Prisons follows. Therefore, it is not appropriate for us comment at this time,” the lawyers said in a statement.

Vick has been suspended indefinitely by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Earlier this month, Falcon general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team is trying to trade Vick’s contractual rights to another team.

Vick, once the highest-paid player in the NFL, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last July. With AP